Doll stage



y 1954 H. KELJIK 2,682,727

DOLL STAGE Filed 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY.

July 6, 1954 H. KELJlK 2,682,727

DOLL STAGE Filed Aug. 7, 1951 4' Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN hw -22232422,

MAL,

ATTORNEY.

H. KELJIK July 6, 1954 DOLL STAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. '7, 1951 ATTORNEY H. KELJIK July 6, 1954 DOLL STAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 7, 1951 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY Patented July 6, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DOLL STAGE Heranoush Keljik, Wilmette, Ill.

Application August 7, 1951, Serial No. 240,652

1 Claim. (CI. 46-12) This invention relates to a doll display stage, possible for use also for ornaments.

Children always have had available to them What is commonly called a doll house. Usually it has consisted of a three-sided, windowed exterior with a roof simulating a conventional type of residence, often quite to scale. The interior has been partitioned much like the interior of a residence with doorways and some of the permanent fixtures generally found in a conventional residence. One side, usually the back, has been omitted, and through this the child has access to the rooms wherein can be variously arranged miniature furniture, furnishings,, and representations of persons.

the possessing child and its playmates. She or they could play house in and about thetoy making changes and adjustments of the appointments of the several rooms as dictated by the fertile child imagination. When not in play use such a doll house is generally placed back against a wall with the three exterior sections only visible to occupants of the room wherein the doll house is set. the rooms of an average residence, the appeal of such a toy is primarily utilitarian. In or out of play use it possesses little, if any, esthetic characteristic for either the child or children playing with the toy, and certainly none for the adults in the family of the owning child. Generally when not in play use it was something to be put away, where it would not occupy space likely to be needed for other normal functions of the home.

The main objects of this invention, therefore, are to provide; an improved toy in the form of what might be called a miniature stage primarily for use of children with their dolls; to provide an improved form of doll stage which, when not in play use by the children, may serve as a constant ornamental accessory to the home; to providean improved device of this kind comprising several separately-constructed units capable of various ensembles to accommodate the fancy of the child or that of a parent desirous of demonstrating esthetic arrangements to the child; to provide a multi-unit display device of this kind wherein the several units may be very easily and simply fabricated from or consisting of conventionally-available, low-cost materials thus making the ensemble exceedingly economical to manufacture and making repairs and replacements very convenient for the purchaser.

Such a doll house construction has been designed primarily for the benefit of Because the interior is formed to simulate In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one ensemble of a miniature stage embodying this invention and displaying both dolls and ornaments;

Fig. 2 is a vertical, sectional elevation of the same;

Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of two different forms of conventionally-available ornamental articles capable of use as a part of a stage ensemble embodying this invention;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the main superstructure unit for a device embodying this invention, a part of the covering being broken away to more clearly show the interior construction;

Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of two other forms of conventionally-available ornamental articles suitable for use as a part of a stage ensemble embodying this invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the unit shown shown in Fig. 5 but slightly modified; and

Fig. 9 is a vertical, sectional elevation of the auxiliary unit shown at the left end of the Fig. 1 ensemble.

The essential concept of this invention involves the formation of one or more separate, major units fabricated from conventionally-available inexpensive materials and a number of conventionally-available auxiliary units all characterized by their ornamental exteriors and contours and permitting various ensembles to constitute a miniature stage for the display of dolls and/or ornaments on differing levels and depths, with the primary appeal to the esthetic.

A doll and/or ornamental display stage embodying this concept comprises, a main base unit A, a superstructure unit B and several auxiliary units, I 0, II, I2, I3, and I4. Generally, the two main units A and B are fabricated from conventional materials to be found on the market, whereas, more often. than not the auxiliary units I53, I I, I2, I3, and I4 are articles conventionally found on 'the market and intended for various ornamental or decorative uses.

The main base unit A, as herein shown is a rectangular plate of comparatively thin, light weight, but of course, rigid material I6. Plywood has been found to be a most acceptable material. However, pressed Wood such as masonite or even plastic would be quite as serviceable. In the present form plywood is used. In order to enhance its ornamental appearance it is covered with a layer of enameled felt Wall covering II which is finished to simulate tile. As is apparent from Fig. 1, this serves to give the impression of a tiled court or patio in front of the superstructure unit B when the two such main units are arranged in an ensemble. A comparatively narrow strip of thin ornamental material 18, secured to a reinforcing strip [9, is arranged around the front, the two ends, and a part of the back of the base unit, giving the impression of an ornamental fence around a courtyard. This strip l8 may be any kind of conventionally-available material that would stand erect. Plastic material has been found most acceptable for this purpose. This ornamental strip 18 might be attached directly to the base plate it. However, it has been found expedient to attach it by staples or otherwise to the reinforcing strip is which is then fastened to the base A by means of ornamental tacks or staples or possibly by an adhesive.

The superstructure unit B, like the unit A, is fabricated of conventionally-avai1able material. As here shown such a main unit comprises, bottom and top pieces 29 and M secured in spaced relationship by two side pieces 22 to form a sort of U and around which is arranged a wall 23 with a medially placed opening 24 to simulate a sort of windowed balcony facade for this superstructure unit 3. A conventionally-obtainable ornamental frame 25 is arranged over the opening to simulate a window.

The bottom, top, and side pieces 29, 2!, and 23 generally would be formed of the same material as that constituting the plate it of unit A. In the present form plywood rectangles are used. The side pieces 22 are nail-ed along their lower and upper edges to the rear sides of the bottom and top 26 and 2| with a substantial portion of the bottom and top pieces Eli and 21 extending forwardl of the side pieces 22. Other materials, obviously, could be used for this structure, such as pressed wood or molded plastic.

The wall 23 in the present arrangement is a piece of enameled felt .wall covering the same as that used for a covering on the plate lb of the base unit A. This piece of material covers the sides 22 and spans the space between them with the opening 2t medially between the sides 22 but nearer the top H. A small ornamental unit it is arranged below the opening 24 to simulate a flower box. The upper surface of the top ieoe 2i is covered with a strip 2? of the same material the wall 23. The back of this superstructur B is closed with a sheet 28 of heavy card board or any other suitable material. It may be stapled along its edges to the sides 22. On the inside is arranged a platform 29 for supporting one of the dolls, later to be described, so that its appearance through the opening accentuates the impression of a balcony window.

The drawings indicate two ways in which the front of this superstructure B may be arranged. In the adaptation shown in Figs. 1 and small posts 3*] span the bottom and top pieces 20 and 2! at the forward corners thereof. Fig, 8 shows an arrangement with these posts omitted.

Ornamental border strips may be variously arranged around the perimetrical portions of this superstructure unit B. Preferably, the material would be the same as used around the base unit A. On the top 2! of the superstructure such ornamental strips 3! and 32 may be used to extend in. both directions as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 5 or, only downwardly as shown in Fig. 8. When extended upwardly the strip 32 may be continuous around the front and sides or, it may have portions omitted, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, to provide spaces for setting in small auxiliary units It. When posts 38 are used, ornamental strips 33 may be arranged to conceal the same (see Figs. 1 and 5) and if desired additional strips 34 may be positioned to span the bottom and top and 2| intermediate the posts 30; all of these strips may be secured in place by staples .or decorative tacks or, possibly by a suitable adhesive.

The auxiliary units H), II, l2, l3, and M1 may be of varying forms and sizes. Generally, articles of manufacture for other purposes would be used. Such is the case with the units H, I2, l3, and i i. The latter three of these are molded plastic ornaments simulating gates and baskets and designed for sundry uses dictated by the desires of the people who purchase them. The unit H is a piece of cutout wood representing an Old English 0.

However, certain of these special units may be fabricated. Such is the case with the unit It. As here shown this is a rectangular-shaped hollow prism capable of standing on its own base. It is fabricated from a pair of plywood plates 35 and 36 secured in spaced relationship by heavy cardboard front and side strips 3? with a backing 38 and an ornamental covering 39 of enameled felt wall covering such as used on the main units A and B. On the front of the covering 39 is secured a cutout fi ure similar to that forming a part of the unit ll] With this may be used a block suitably formed to serve as a step, or even a series of steps, or a small ledge in front and at the base of the unit Hi, as indicated in the Fig. 1 ensemble.

The hereinshown ensembles indicate that these main units A and B and selections of the auxiliary units is, H, l2, l3, and E i may be variously arranged to provide a miniature stage for displaying dolls in various and sundry relationships. Associated with these dolls may be some small ornaments, flower pots and vases. If desired, ensembles of these units could be used ,to stage various arrangements of ornaments only, or, perhaps, knicknacks. However, the main intent of this invention is to provide a device for staging dolls.

The dolls used in such an ensemble are conventional articles to be found in almost any store dealing in toys. They may be obtained dressed or undressed. In the latter case costumes would be made by the purchaser. The costumes and the arrangements on the stage could be such as to represent different events in modern or past life. For example, an ancient court scene, a wedding party, festival or a modern beach party.

In most instances, an ensemble would include the two main units A and B (the latter of the form shown in either of the Figs. 5 or 8) and a selection from the auxiliary units to suit the taste of an individual. However, on occasion it would be possible to constitute an ensemble of the main superstructure B, in either of the forms shown in Figs. 5 and 8 and a selection of auxiliary units without making use of the main base unit A. In that event the superstructure unit B could be mounted on a table or it might be hung on the wall.

In the more generally preferred ensemble the main superstructure unit B would be set on the main base unit A nearer one rear corner as shown in Fig. 1. At one side of the unit B, adjacent the other corner of the base unit A, could be arranged either of the auxiliary units 10 or !2, depending upon the desire of the arranger. On the superstructure unit B inwardly of the vertical ornamental border strips 33 and 34 could be arranged the inverted baskets [3. If desired, auxiliary units l2 and/or l4 could be set on the top 2|.

Once the stage ensemble is determined upon and arranged, dolls with the desired costumes then may be set around on the base unit A forwardly and at the sides of the unit B,, on the inverted basket units I 3, in the balcony opening 24 and if desired on the top of the unit B.

An electric cord with small lights, such as used on Christmas trees, may be arranged in and around an ensemble to illuminate various areas.

Other variations and modifications in the details of structure and arrangement of the various parts may be resorted to within the spirit and coverage of the appended claim.

I claim:

A new article of manufacture in the nature of a miniature stage ensemble comprising, a main base unit, a main superstructure unit, and a plurality of accessory units all separately formed and unattached, the main base unit being an elongated piece of fiat conventionally-obtainable light-weight material, an upstanding border of ornamental plastic attached around the major part of the perimeter of the base unit, the superstructure unit being formed of top, bottom, and supporting side pieces of thin light-weight material secured together to form a hollow part of rectangular cross section with the top and bottom extending forwardly thereof and resting on the base unit within the area thereof, posts spanning the bottom and top pieces of the superstructure unit at the forward corners thereof, a wall of ornamental material covering the exposed surfaces of the side pieces and having an opening in the forward part thereof to simulate a balcony window, and border strips of ornamental plastic material attached to the superstructure around the top and bottom front and side portions of the perimeters thereof and along the posts, the accessory units being conventionally-formed small ornamental pieces placed on the main unit adjacent the vertical wall of the superstructure unit to provide for a display of dolls.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany July 14, 1908 

